For which cause both thou and all thy company are gathered together against the LORD: and what is Aaron, that ye murmur against him?

NUMBERS 16:11KJV
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Numbers 16:11 (KJV)

What does Numbers 16:11 mean?

Numbers 16:11 says that by gathering together against Moses and Aaron, the people are actually opposing the LORD Himself, and questions why they are complaining about Aaron. The verse highlights that their real dispute is not just with Aaron but with God’s authority.

In this scene, Moses is speaking to Korah and his followers, who have challenged the leadership of Moses and Aaron. Moses points out that their rebellion is not simply a personal issue with Aaron, but a much deeper challenge against God’s chosen order. By asking, “what is Aaron, that ye murmur against him?” Moses is emphasizing that Aaron is just a servant, and their complaints are ultimately directed at God.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 16:11

  • "Company" (עֵדָה, ʿēdāh): This word refers to an assembly or group, often used for the congregation of Israel. Here, it stresses that it’s not just a few individuals but a whole group joining in rebellion.
  • "Murmur" (לון, lûn): This verb means to grumble or complain, especially in a way that shows dissatisfaction or rebellion. The use of this word highlights that their complaints are not just casual but are seen as serious opposition.

Why Numbers 16:11 matters

  • Numbers 16:11 clarifies that challenging God’s appointed leaders is seen as challenging God Himself, not just the people in those roles.
  • The verse shifts the focus from a personal dispute to a spiritual issue, showing that the real problem is with accepting God’s authority and choices.
  • This verse sets up the seriousness of the rebellion in the wider story, helping the reader understand why the consequences that follow are so severe.

Where else these words appear

“together” Hebrew H3259 · used in 29 verses

  • Exodus 21:8 If she please not her master, who hath betrothed her to himself, then shall he let her be redeemed: to sell her unto a strange nation he shall have no power, seeing he hath dealt deceitfully with her.
  • Numbers 14:35 I the LORD have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.
  • Job 2:11 Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.

“cause” Hebrew H3651 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 1:7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
  • Genesis 42:34 And bring your youngest brother unto me: then shall I know that ye are no spies, but that ye are true men: so will I deliver you your brother, and ye shall traffick in the land.
  • 1 Samuel 9:13 As soon as ye be come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, before he go up to the high place to eat: for the people will not eat until he come, because he doth bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat that be bidden. Now therefore get you up; for about this time ye shall find him.

“murmur” Hebrew H3885 · used in 79 verses

  • Genesis 19:2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.
  • Joshua 4:3 And command ye them, saying, Take you hence out of the midst of Jordan, out of the place where the priests' feet stood firm, twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the lodging place, where ye shall lodge this night.
  • Job 17:2 Are there not mockers with me? and doth not mine eye continue in their provocation?

“company” Hebrew H5712 · used in 140 verses

  • Exodus 12:3 Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:
  • Numbers 15:24 Then it shall be, if ought be committed by ignorance without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bullock for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour unto the LORD, with his meat offering, and his drink offering, according to the manner, and one kid of the goats for a sin offering.
  • Numbers 31:16 Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.